VDOT issues emergency closure of Gloucester bridge

GLOUCESTER COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia Department of Transportation has closed a bridge in Gloucester County after a routine inspection discovered it is unsafe for drivers.

The bridge is part of Route 602 (Burkes Pond Road) and spans across Burke’s Mill Stream.

VDOT says the bridge was already scheduled to close in January for a $1.3 million replacement project, but because inspectors found too much deterioration of the structure’s steel beams, it had to close immediately.

Work on the bridge, however, will still not begin until January, and VDOT says it won’t be complete until late next year. Until then, a detour will be in place.

“We regret that a detour will be in place for an additional four months, as we know this is a daily inconvenience for residents, businesses, and the entire community,” said Annette Adams, P.E, VDOT Structure and Bridge Engineer, Fredericksburg District.

VDOT traffic data estimates the bridge carries an average of 1,000 vehicles a day. Before this most recent inspection, a 7-ton weight limit for vehicles had been put in place for the bridge.